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STATEMENT  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS 


RESULTING   IN  THE   PUIiClIASE    OF   THE 


Newburyport  Public  Library  Building. 


WITH   A   SKETCH  OF 


THE   HISTORY   OF   THE   LIBRARY. 


PREPARED    BY    ORDER    OF    THE    DIRECTORS,    FOR 
PRIVATE    DISTRIBUTION. 


"  Books  are  a  part  of  man's  prorogativo  : 
In  formal  ink,  they  tliought  and  voices  hold, 
That  wo  to  tliem  our  solitude  may  give. 
And  make  time  present  travel  that  of  old. 
Our  life,  fame  piecotli  longer  at  tlie  end: 
And  books  it  farther  backward  doth  extend." 


NEWBURYPORT : 
WM.  II.  IIUSE  &  CO.,  PRINTERS,  42   STATE  STREET. 

18  0G. 


fe^- 


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pa- ^ ""^^ 

) 


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* 

■   I--  ,T 


INTRODUCTORY. 


It  was  intended,  when  the  buikling  designed  for  the 
use  of  the  Newburyport  Public  Library  was  completed, 
that  a  formal  dedication  of  it  should  take  place.  That 
purpose,  however,  was  frustrated  through  the  pressing 
professional  engagements  of  the  distinguished  gentle- 
man who  was  to  have  delivered  the  address.  The 
delay  occasioned  thereby  was  so  prolonged,  that  it  was 
finally  deemed  advisable  to  dispense  altogether  with  the 
dedication.  The  following  pages  have,  in  consequence, 
been'  prepared  by  order  of  the  Directors  of  the  Library, 
for  the  purpose  of  giving  publicity  and  permanency  to  a 
statement  of  the  prominent  facts  in  relation  to  the  pur- 
chase of  the  building,  and  its  preparation  for  its  present 
use.  This  is  considered  due  to  those  by  whose  public 
spirit  and  generosity  the  work  was  vuidertaken  and  suc- 
cessfully completed. 

The  accomplishment  of  an  enterprise  of  great  public 
usefulness,  through  the  agency  of  private  contributions, 
is  deemed  worthy  of  record  to  the  lasting  honor  of  those 
engaged  in  it.  Great  pains  have  been  taken,  therefore, 
to   include    the   names  of  all    who   have    rendered   assist- 


jcfe^S- 


^^- 


-e^^ 


4  INTROD  UCTOR  Y. 

ance  in  tlie  undertaking  in  the  following  pages.  If, 
however,  any  such  individuals  have  failed  to  receive  an 
appropriate  acknowledgment  for  their  share  in  the  work, 
•no  one  will  regret  the  omission  more  deeply  than  the 
writer.  While  desiring  in  the  following  pages  to  avoid 
the  appearance  of  invidiousness,  where  all  have  con- 
tributed so  freely,  it  is  nevertheless  felt  that  some  special 
mention  of  the  important  services  rendered  by  Edward 
S.  MosELEY,  Esq.,  is  justly  due.  AX  great  personal 
sacrifice,  he  undertook  the  collection  of  the  funds,  and 
also  supervised  their  expenditure.  One  of  the  first  to 
discern  the  wants  of  the  Library,  Mr.  Moseley  has  been 
foremost  and  indefatigable  in  his  efforts  to  secure  for  it 
its  present  tasteful  and  commodious  quarters. 

H.  A.  T. 

Newburyport,  Nov.  1,  1866. 


S 


I 


l^"^^ 


THE   NEWBURYPORT 


PUBLIC-LIBRARY   BUILDING. 


— o-O^JijIPjCK^ 


Soon  after  the  Newburyport  Public  Library  went 
into  operation,  it  was  found  (so  great  was  the  de- 
mand for  its  books,  and  so  apparent  the  prospect  of 
its  futnre  increase)  that  the  room  it  then  occupied 
would  prove  entirely  inadequate  for  its  purposes, 
and  that  larger  and  better  accommodations  would 
shortly  be  needed.  The  subject,  therefore,  began  at 
that  time  to  interest  some  of  the  more  zealous 
friends  of  the  Library ;  and  inquiries  were  instituted 
relative  to  the  best  means  for  obtainino-  a  buildina: 
that  should  be  suited  to  its  ""rowing;  wants.  An 
appeal  to  the  city  authorities  to  supply  the  requi- 
site funds  was  considered  impolitic,  inasmuch  as  it 
was  felt  that  the  ordinary  demands  upon  the  city 
treasury  were  already  onerous.  The  general  desire, 
therefore,  seemed  to  be,  that  some  feasible  mode  of 
raising  the  money,  without  resort  to  public  taxa- 
tion, should    be  adopted. 

As  no  organized  body  existed  for  the  purpose,  it 
was  necessarily  incumbent  upon  individual  eflbrt  to 


-e^ 


i! 

6  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 

commence  the  undertaking.  Consequently,  Edavard 
S.  MosELEY,  Esq.,  in  the  spring  of  1858,  with  a  view 
of  stimulating  others  to  similar  action,  pledged  a 
donation,  on  the  condition  that  a  sum  sufficient  to 
accomplish  the  object  should  be  obtained  in  the 
same  way.  But  the  offer  not  being  made  sufficient- 
ly public,  or  for  some  other  reason,  the  necessary 
responses  were  not  received ;  and  thus  no  definite 
result  was  attained.  Various  other  propositions  were 
considered ;  but,  as  none  of  them  gave  promise  of 
ultimate  success,  they  were  not  adopted.  In  the 
mean  time,  each  successive  Annual  Report  of  the  Di- 
rectors of  the  Public  Library  continued  to  set  forth 
its  pressing  need  of  better  accommodations. 

Thus  things  remained  until  the  close  of  the  lecture- 
season  of  1859-60,  when  it  was  proposed  to  use  the 
Lyceum  as  an  agency,  and  by  that  means  to  se- 
cure a  sufficient  amount  to  serve  as  a  nucleus ;  to 
which  might  be  added  whatever  sums  should  in  the 
future  be  obtained,  and  finally  devote  the  whole 
amount  towards  providing  a  building  for  the  Library. 
Accordingly,  at  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Newbury- 
port  Lyceum,  held  on  the  10th  of  February,  1860, 
the  following  resolution,  offered  by  George  J.  L.  Col- 
by, Esq.,  was  unanimously  adopted  :  — 

'•'-  Ptesolved^  That  tlic  officers  of  the  Lyceum  invite  per- 
sons, who,  from  being  natives  or  residents  of  Old  Newbury, 
or  from  some  otiier  cause,  arc  interested  in  the  welfare  of 
this  community,  to  deliver  lectures  gratuitously ;  the  pro- 


^£^ 


>^- 


NEWBURYrORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  7 

ceeds  of  the  sale  of  tickets  to  be  devoted  to  the  erection  of 
a  building,  to  be  owned  by  the  city,  for  the  better  accommo- 
dation of  the  Public  Library." 

A  course  of  lectures  was  instituted  the  next 
season,  in  conformity  with  the  resolution ;  which  re- 
sulted in  placing  five  hundred  and  seventy-six  dol- 
lars and  eighty-five  cents  to  the  credit  of  a  Library- 
building  Fund.  The  following  are  the  names  of  the 
lecturers  whose  services  were  gratuitous  :  — 

*C.  C.  FELTON,  President  of  Harvard  University. 

Rev.  J.   C.   FLETCHER,  Neivhuryport. 

Hon.  C.  gushing,  Newbimjport. 

*Rt.  Rev.  T.  M.  CLARK,  Bishop  of  Rhode  Island. 

^ARTHUR  GILMAN,  Esq.,  Boston. 

Rev.  ORVILLE  DEWEY,  T).D. 

Dr.  GEORGE  B.  LORING,  Salem. 

*DANIEL  N.  HASKELL,  Esq.,  Boston. 

Hon.  STEPHEN  H.  PHILLIPS,  Salem. 

Rev.   A.  H.  QUINT,  New  Bedford. 

tREV.   E.   A.  WASHBURN,  D.D.,  Rector  Calvary  Church,  N.  T. 

tC.  W.  TUTTLE,  Esq.,  Boston. 

tREV.  T.  B.  FOX,  Boston. 

Rev.  a.  p.   PEABODY,  D.D.,  Professor  Harvard  University. 

*Rev.  R.  W.  CLARK,  D.D.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

*Rev.  BENJ.   hale,  V>.T>.,  President  of  Hohart  College.  N.Y. 

Rev.  R.  C.  WATERSTON,  Boston. 

*  Those  marked  thus  *  are  natives  of"  Old  Newbury."  Those  niarked  t  have 
been  residents  of  Newbnrviiort. 


-e^ 


^^^ 


8  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 

The  same  plan  was  continued  for  the  two  follow- 
ing seasons,  which  increased  the  fund  to  a  thou- 
sand and  thirty-eight  dollars  and  seventeen  cents. 
The  lecturers  were  — 

*Rt.  Rev.  T.  M.   CLARK,  D.D.,  Bishoji  of  Rhode  Island. 

*HoN.  GEORGE  LUNT,  Boston. 

Rev.  S.  R.  CALTHROP,  MarUelwad. 

Dr.  GEORGE  B.  LORING,  Salem. 

*AMOS  NO  YES,  Esq.,  Neivhuryport. 

IRev.  ELIAS  NASON,  Exeter,  N.H. 

*JOHN  J.  CURRIER,  Esq.,  Newburyport. 

Rev.  M.  skinner,  Gloucester. 

Rev.  THOMAS  HILL,   V).V).,  President  of  Harvard  University. 

C.  F.  BROWN,  Esq.  ("  Artemus  Ward.'') 

Rev.  J.   C.   H1.ETCHER,  Newburyport. 

Rev.  R.   H.   NEALE,  D.D.,  Boston. 

*Rev.  GEORGE  \).  WILDES,  S(dem. 

Rev.   CHARLES  BEECHER,  Geonjetoum. 

Rev.  JAMES  N.  SYKES,  Newburyport. 

Prof.  J.   R.   LOWEIiL,  Harvard  University. 

Here,  then,  was  a  fund  of  upwards  of  one  thou- 
sand dollars  deposited  for  use  in  providing  a  Library 
Building.  A  moderate  sum,  indeed,  for  the  purpose ; 
yet,  when  considered  as  the  foundation  of  the  enter- 
prise, it  assumes  more  than  a  relative  importance, 
inasmuch  as  it  gave  renewed  encouragement  to  the 
hope,  that,  with  persevering  efforts,  ultimate  success 
might  confidently  be  expected. 


K^^- 


s^ 


^ 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  9 

At  this  juncture,  Mr.  Mosel£y  again  came  forward 
with  a  subscription-Hst,  headed  with  his  own  name 
and  subscription  of  one  thousand  dollars.  With  this 
he  applied  to  persons  of  wealth  at  home,  and  to 
others,  wdio,  being  either  natives  or  former  residents 
of  our  city,  had  met  with  success  in  life  elsewhere. 
The  responses  which  followed  were  of  the  most 
cheering  character,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  annexed 
copy  of  the  circular  and  subscription-list :  — 


Newburyport,  Sept.  12,  1863. 
The  undersigned  hereby  agree  to  pay  the  sums  set  against  their 
respective  names,  for  the  purpose  of  building  or  purchasing  a  suitable 
building  for  the  Public  Library,  provided  the  sum  of  ten  thousand 
dollars  is  subscribed  before  the  close  of  the  present  year.  The  money 
is  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  a  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  and  the  building  presented  to  the  city  under  such  limita- 
tions as  may  be  thought  advisable. 


NEWBURYPORT. 

Edward  S.  Moseley 

$1,000 

Edward  S.  Rand       ...... 

1 ,000 

JosiAH  L.  AND  Joshua  Hale    .... 

1,000 

John  Porter 

1,000 

Caleb,  John  N.,  and  AVillia.m  Cushin.g 

1,000 

Charles  H.  Coffin 

500 

Robert  and  Charles  M.  Baylky    . 

500 

Mrs.  Nancy  Horton          ..... 

500 

John  Currier,  Jun 

500 

Mica.iah  Lunt 

500 

Mrs.  Sarah  W.  IIalk 

250 

Josiah  Little  .         .         .         •     i    • 

250 

Henry  Cook      ....... 

200 

William  Guaves       ...... 

200 

-e^ 


10 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


Eben  F.  Stone  . 

Benjamin  F.  Cuuriiji 

Moses  E.  Hale 

Albert  W.  Stevens 

George  L.  Rogers    . 

William  Forbes 

Henry  C.  Perkins     . 

Mark  Symons    . 

Jeremiah  Colman    . 

William  Ashby 

John  Osgood     . 

R.  Wills  and  Son 

John  N.  Pike     . 

Amos  Noyes 

Nathan  A.  Moulton 

William  H.  Savasey 

David  Wood 

Edward  H.  and  George  J.  G\< 


ORGl- 


LONDON. 
William  Wheelwright 
Mrs.  M.  G.  Wheelwright 


SAN   FRANCISCO. 


John  R.  Spring 


BOSTON. 
John  Atkinson 
William  P.  Pierce   . 
Michael  H.  Simpson 
Stephen  Tilton  and  Co. 
Samuel  Stevens 
James  Reed 

George  W.  A.  Williams 
Balch  AV.  Pierce 
George  W.  Wheelavright 
Stephen  W.  Marston,  Jim. 
Charles  G.  Wood     . 


Si  00 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

1  00 

100 

100 

100 

50 

50 

50 

50 

•M) 

10 

SI, 000 
1,000 


Si,ooo 


S500 
500 
500 
500 
•250 
250 
250 
'250 
'200 
1 00 
50 


-^& 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


Andrew  L.  Haskell 
John  M.  Bradbury 
N.  Foster,  Jun.     . 
R.  B.  Williams,  Jun. 
John  Tilton 
John  H.  Bradbury 
Caleb  Norris 
S.  K.  Whipple       . 
George  Butler  . 
E.  P.  Wilbur 


$50 

50 

25 

25 

25 

10 

10 

5 

5 

5 


NEW  YORK. 

Daniel  I.  Tenney S500 

Jacob  Little 500 

PHILADELPHIA. 

Lemuel  Coffin    .         . $500 

George  A.  Wood 250 

CLEVELAND. 
Joseph  B.  Hervey       .......     $150 

WASHINGTON. 
William  B.  Todd SlOO 


11 


By  this  means,  the  sum  of  eigliteen  thousand 
three  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars  was  obtained ; 
which,  added  to  the  amount  already  on  hand  (sub- 
sequent additions  having  been  received  from  the 
Lyceum),  made  the  whole  amount  twenty  thousand 
two  hundred  and  seventy-three  dollars  and  seventy- 
eight  cents :  and  the  funds  for  accomplishing  the 
work  were  thus  fully  secured.  The  necessary  means 
having  been  obtained,  the  next  step  was,  either  to 
purchase  a  building  suitable  for  library-purposes,  or  a 


-e^S^S 


-ev? 


1*2  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-UBRARY  BUILDING. 

location  on  which  one  could  be  built.  In  this  the 
parties  were  eminently  fortunate  in  finding  the 
"  Tracy  House,"  so  called,  situated  on  State  Street, 
for  sale ;    w^liich  was  accordingly  purchased. 

A  meeting  of  the  subscribers  to  the  fund  was 
now^  held  to  take  the  necessary  action  in  relation 
to  the  premises ;  at  wdiich  Edward  S.  Moseley  was 
chosen  Chairman  ;  and  Hiram  A.  Tenney,  Secretary. 
The  meeting  then  proceeded  to  select  a  Building 
Committee ;  and  the  followintr-named  o-entlemen 
were  chosen :  Edward  S.  Moseley,  Charles  M.  Bay- 
ley,  and  Joshua  Hale,  Committee.  M.  E.  Hale  con- 
sented to  act  as  Treasurer. 

In  commencing  the  work,  the  Committee  made 
application  to  Arthur  Gilman,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  a  na- 
tive of  Newburyport,  to  prepare  the  plans  for  alter- 
ing the  building  ;  which  he  promptly  consented  to 
do,  making  no  charge  for  his  services. 

The  plans  were  furnished  by  Mr.  Oilman  for  the 
alteration  of  the  exterior,  and  for  the  arrangement 
and  finish  of  the  interior,  and  found  to  be  highly 
satisfactory.  Operations,  therefore,  were  soon  com- 
menced under  the  superintendence  of  Hon.  Al- 
bert Currier,  whose  services  were  rendered  gratui- 
tously ;  and  to  whose  mechanical  experience,  and 
economy  of  management,  the  accomplishment  of  the 
undertaking,  with  so  great  a  degree  of  artistic  skill 
and  with  such  a  moderate  expenditure,  is  mainly 
due. 


h^ 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  13 

The  opinion  has  been  expressed  by  persons  who 
understand  the  subject,  that  such  a  structure  could 
not  have  been  commenced  anew  and  completed  at 
less  than  twice  the  cost  of  the  present  one.  The 
frontispiece  presents  a  good  view  of  the  new  build- 
ino;.  Its  exterior  walls  are  covered  with  a  coatino^  of 
mastic,  giving  the  appearance  of  sandstone,  which 
greatly  enhances  the  beauty  of  its  fine  architectural 
proportions.  The  appearance  of  the  grounds,  also, 
has  been  changed,  so  as  to  comport  with  the  improve- 
ments in  the  rest  of  the  estate. 

In  the  corner-stone  of  the  building  was  deposited 
a  small  leaden  box,  which,  in  the  distant  future,  may 
be  of  interest  to  those  who  shall  open  it.  The  box 
encloses  a  silver  plate,  with  the  following  inscrip- 
tion :  — 


-<2/Q 


is^ 


^^e- 


-^^ 


THIS    BUILDING, 

INTENDED   FOR  THE 

I>UBLIC   LIBRA.IIY, 

IS    A    FREE    GIFT     TO     THE     CITY     FROM     PERSONS    WHOSE     NAMES 
ARE    DEPOSITED    IN    THE    SMALL    BOX    HEREWITH. 


-oo^^^oo— 


DIRECTORS    OF    LIBRARY. 

GEORGE  W.  JACKMAN,  Jun.,  Mayor,  ) 

-  EX    OFFICIO. 

L.  DAME,  Pres.  Com.  Council,  ) 

D.  T.  FISKE.  P.  K.  HILLS. 

WM.  CUSHING.  J.  N.  PIKE. 

C.  M.  BAYLEY.  JOSHUA  HALE. 


LIBRARIAN. 

HIRAM  A.  TENNEY. 

BUILDING    COMMITTEE. 

EDWARD  S.  MOSELEY,  JOSHUA  HALE,  C.  M.  BAYLEY, 

ARCHITECT. 

ARTHUR   GILMAN. 

SUPERINTENDKXT. 

ALBERT    CUIUUEK. 

NKWl'.UIiYl'oRT,   Apiil  (I,  ISd;"). 


^^e- 


-e^ 


!^- 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  15 

The  box  referred  to  contains  the  names  of  all 
the  subscribers,  inscribed  on  parchment,  with  their 
places  of  residence,  and  the  several  amounts  given  by 
them.  With  a  single  exception,  they  are  all  natives 
or  residents  of  Newburyport. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  it  contains  a  list  of  all 
the  officers  connected  with  the  City  Government  of 
1865 ;  a  report  of  the  Library  Committee  of  1864  ;  a 
copy  of  "  The  Newburyport  Herald ; "  and  a  copy 
of  "The  Herald  of  Gospel  Liberty,"  published  in 
this  city,  —  the  oldest  religious  newspaper  in  the 
world. 

On  the  17th  of  July,  1865,  the  work  being  com- 
pleted, and  the  building  ready  to  be  transferred  to 
the  city,  a  meeting  of  the  subscribers  to  the  fund  was 
held,  due  notice  having  been  previously  given  to 
each  party  interested,  in  order  to  arrange  suitable 
terms  for  its  transfer. 

At  this  meeting,  after  a  report  of  the  expenditure 
of  money  raised  by  subscription  had  been  made  by 
the  chairman,  on  motion  of  Josiah  L.  Hale,  Esq.,  it  was 
Voted,  That,  in  offering  the  building  to  the  city,  one 
condition  of  its  acceptance  shall  be,  that  it  never 
shall  be  opened  for  public  use  on  the  Lord's  Day.  On 
motion  of  lion.  Micajah  Lunt,  it  was  further  Voted, 
That  the  subject  of  other  conditions  be  referred  to 
the  Building  Committee  to  prepare  a  suitable  state- 
ment, and  report  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  sub- 
scribers. Hon.  C.  CusHiNG  was  also  added  to  that 
committee. 


5^^ 


o 


w^ 


16  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 

On  the  14th  of  August  following,  another  meeting 
in  reference  to  the  same  subject  was  held,  at  which 
Mr.  Gushing,  for  the  committee,  submitted  a  report, 
as  follows:  "That  the  estate  be  conveyed  to  the 
Mayor  and  Aldermen,  as  trustees,  with  the  follow- 
ing provisoes : "  — 

First,  That  it  sluill  forever  be  dedicated  exclusively  to 
use  as  the  City  Library,  and  for  the  reception  of  appropriate 
objects  of  science  and  art. 

Second,  That  the  library  shall  be  administered  by  a 
Board  of  Directors  chosen  by  the  City  Council. 

Third,  That  the  library  shall  not  be  open  for  public  use 
on  the  Lord's  Day. 

Fourth,  That  the  surphis  cash  in  the  hands  of  the  com- 
mittee shall  be  conveyed  to  three  trustees  by  name,  which 
trustees  shall  fdl  vacancies  in  that  Board  ;  the  income  of 
the  fund  to  be  appropriated  for  the  maintenance,  repair, 
improvement,  and  insurance  of  the  edifice. 

Fifth,  That  the  said  three  trustees  shall  be  members  of 
the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  library,  in  addition  to  those 
chosen  by  the  City  Council. 

A  meeting  of  a  committee  appointed  by  the  City 
Council,  for  the  purpose  of  conferring  with  a  com- 
mittee of  the  subscribers,  was  subsequently  held, 
and  attended  by  Hon.  George  W.  Jackman,  Mayor ; 
Warren  Currier,  Alderman;  Luther  Dame,  John  E. 
Bavley,  and  J.  T.  Rowe,  Common  Coundhnen,  on 
the  part  of  the  City  Council ;  and  Edward  S.  Mose- 
LEY    and    Hon.  C.  Cushing,  on   the    part  of  subscri- 

L.  ( 

5^^ e^ 


e^ 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  17 

bers.  At  this  meeting,  the  conditions  of  transfer 
prepared  by  the  subscribers  to  the  Library-building 
Fund  were  approved  by  the  committee  of  the  City 
Council,  to  be  recommended  to  the  City  Govern- 
ment for  adoption. 

On  the  4th  of  September,  the  estate  was  pre- 
sented to  the  City  Government  by  the  following 
deed:  — 

Ktwiv  all  men  by  these  presents,  — 

That  we,  Edward  S.  Moseley,  Joshua  Hale,  and  Charles 
M.  Bayley,  all  of  Newburyport,  in  the  County  of  Essex,  and 
Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  for  good  and  lawful  con- 
siderations us  hereunto  moving,  do  hereby  give,  grant,  and 
convey  unto  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  the  city  of  New- 
buryport for  the  time  being,  all  the  right,  title,  and  interest 
which  we  have  in  and  to  a  certain  piece  of  laud,  with  the 
buildings  thereon,  situate  in  said  Newburyport,  and  bounded 
as  follows  ;  namely  :  — 

Beginning  at  the  southerly  corner  thereof,  on  State  Street, 
by  land  of  Dana  Dodge  and  William  Dodge  ;  and  thence 
running  by  said  last-mentioned  land,  and  by  land  of  Moses 
Emery,  deceased,  north  52°  15'  west,  one  hundred  and  sixty- 
eight  feet  eight  inches,  to  land  of  the  heirs  of  Benjamin  Hale, 
deceased ;  thence,  by  said  heirs'  land,  north  30°  30'  east, 
ninety-eight  feet  five  inches;  thence,  by  said  heirs'  land, 
south  57°  east,  one  hundred  and  sixty-two  feet  three  inches, 
to  said  State  Street ;  thence,  by  said  State  Street,  south  32° 
45'  west,  one  hundred  and  twelve  feet  two  inches,  to  the 
bound  first  mentioned  ;  containing,  in  all,  sixty-three  rods 
and  AV''  of  a  rod  ;  being  the  same  conveyed  to  us  by  Jere- 


-©^ 


^€^^ 


18  NEWBURYPORT   PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 

MiAH  CoLMAN  and  William   Ashby  by  deed  of  April  IG, 
A.  D.  1864. 

To  have  and  to  hold  the  above-granted  premises  to  the 
said  Mayor  and  Aldermen,  and  their  successors  in  office,  to 
them  and  their  use  and  behoof  forever.  In  trust,  neverthe- 
less, for  the  subscribers  to  the  fund  for  a  Public-library 
Building,  under  and  subject  to  the  following  conditions ; 
namely :  — 

First,  That  all  the  property  and  estate  conveyed  shall  be 
dedicated,  and  appropriated  in  perpetuity,  to  use  exclusively 
for  the  City  Library,  and  for  the  reception  of  suitable  objects 
of  science  and  art. 

Secondly,  That  the  library  shall  not  be  open  for  public 
use  on  the  Lord's  Day. 

Tliirdly,  That  the  library  shall  be  administered  by  a 
Board  of  Directors  chosen  and  appointed  by  the  City  Coun- 
cil, together  with  the  three  persons,  or  their  successors,  con- 
stituted by  the  subscribers  to  be  trustees  of  the  surplus 
fund  of  subscription. 

And  we,  the  said  grantors,  for  ourselves,  and  our  heirs, 
executors,  and  administrators,  do  covenant  with  the  said 
grantees,  and  their  successors  in  office,  that  we  are  lawfully 
seized  in  fee-simple  of  the  aforegranted  premises ;  that 
they  are  free  from  all  encumbrances  done  or  suffered  by  us  ; 
that  we  have  good  right  to  give,  grant,  and  convey  the  same 
to  the  said  grantees,  and  their  successors  in  office,  forever, 
as  aforesaid  ;  and  that  we  will,  and  our  heirs,  executors, 
and  administrators  shall,  warrant  and  defend  the  same  to 
the  said  grantees,  and  their  successors  in  office,  forever, 
against  the  lawful  claims  and  demands  of  all  persons  claim- 
ing the  same  by,  fi'om,  or  under  us. 


d^^- 


--^^ 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


19 


In  witness  whereof,  we,  Edward  S.  Moseley,  Joshua 
Hale,  and  Charles  M.  Bayley,  and  we,  Charlotte  A.,  wife 
of  said  Edward,  and  Sophia  C,  wife  of  said  Joshua,  and 
Charlotte  C,  wife  of  said  Charles,  in  token  of  our  release 
of  all  right  and  title  of  and  to  both  dower  and  homestead  in 
the  abovegranted  premises,  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and 
seals,  this  twenty-second  day  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-five. 


Witnesses. 


Signed,  sealed,  and  delivered  in  presence  of 

CIharles  Thurlow, 
B.  Gardiner  Gerrish, 

Edward  S.  Moseley.- 
Joshua  Hale. 
Charles  M.  Bayley. 
Charlotte  A.  Moseley. 
Sophia  C.  Hale. 
Charlotte  C.  Bayley. 


Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 
Essex  ss.,  22d  Sept.,  1865. 

Then  personally  appeared  the  within-named  Edward  S. 
Moseley,  Joshua  Hale,  and  Charles  M.  Bayley,  and  ac- 
knowledged the  foregoing  instrument  to  be  their  free  act 
and  deed. 

Before  me, 

M.  E.  Hale, 

Justice  of  the  Peace. 

An  order  was  then  passed  by  the  City  Council 
in  acceptance  of  the  gift :  — 


-e^ 


<:>ry  I 


^^e e^ 


'?> 


20  NEWBURYPORT  PVBLIC-LIBIiATiY  BUILDING. 

CITY    OF   NEWBURYPORT. 

In  Board  of  Aldermen,  Sept.  4,  18G5. 
Ordered  (the  Common  Council  concurring),  That  the 
Mavor  and  this  Board,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and  their 
successors  in  office,  hereby  accept  the  conveyance  of  prop- 
erty and  estate  for  the  reception  of  the  Public  Library, 
made  to  us  this  day  by  Edward  S.  Moseley,  Joshua  Hale, 
and  Charles  M.  Bayley,  in  trust,  subject  to  the  conditions 
therein  prescril)ed ;  and,  for  ourselves  and  our  successors, 
assume  said  trust,  to  be  executed  according  to  the  con- 
ditions of  said  conveyance. 

In  Board  of  Aldermen,  Sept.  4,  1865. 
Adopted.         Attest:  E.  Johnson, 

Cily  Clerk. 
In  Common  Council,  Sept.  4,  1865. 
Adopted  in  concurrence.         Attest : 

A.  W.  Greenleap,  Clerk. 

The  following  ordinance,  in  conformity  to  the 
terms  of  the  deed,  was  also  passed  at  the  same 
date  :  — 

CITY    OF    NEWBURYPORT. 

AN    OKDINANCE    CONCEKNING    THE    PUliLIC    LIRRARY. 

Be  it  ordained  by  the  City  Council  of  the  city  of  Nein- 
huryport  as  follows  :  — 

In  addition  to  the  number  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of 
the  Public  Library,  as  now  constituted,  shall  be  members 
thereof,  ex  oj/icio,  the  three  persons  appointed  by  deed  of 
the  subscribers  to  the  fund  for  a  Public4ibrary  Building,  to 
hold  in  trust  the  overplus  funds  provided  by  said  subscri- 
bers for  the  reparation  and  improvement  of  said  building, 


fe^va- 


e^ 


NEWBURYPOliT  PUBLIC-LIBRAEY  BUILDING.  21 

and  their  successors  in  office,  conformably  to  the  tenor  of 
said  trust-deed  ;  provided  that  a  duplicate  copy  of  said 
deed  shall  be  filed  with  the  City  Clerk,  and  that  due  notice 
of  all  changes  of  said  trustees  shall  be  communicated  by 
them  in  writing,  addressed  to  the  City  Council. 

In  Common  Council,  Sept.  4,  18G5. 

Passed  to  be  ordained. 

Luther  Dai\ie,  President. 

In  Board  of  Aldermen,  Sept.  4,  1805. 

Passed  to  be  ordained. 

Geo.  W.  Jackman,  Mayor. 

On  the  2d  of  October,  a  meeting  of  the  sub- 
scril)ers  to  the  fond  was  held,  to  make  choice  of 
three  trustees,  agreeably  to  the  conditions  of  trans- 
fer of  the  Library  Building  to  the  city. 

Monday,  Oct.  2,  1865. 

Meeting  called  to  order  at  half-past  four  o'clock,  p.m. 
Records  of  the  previous  meeting  read  and  approved. 

On  motion  of  Josiah  L.  Hale,  Esq.,  it  was  Voted,  That  a 
committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  nominate  a  list  of  three 
candidates,  to  be  balloted  for  as  trustees  of  the  surplus 
fund.  Messrs.  J.  L.  Hale,  John  Currier,  Jun.,  M.  Symons, 
were  appointed  by  the  Chair. 

The  committee  reported  the  names  of  Edward  S.  Moseley, 
Caleb  Cushing,  Henry  C.  Perkins;  who  were  unanimously 
chosen. 

Voted.;  That  the  trustees  be  authorized  to  expend  annu- 
ally the  sum  of  fifty  dollars,  to  supply  magazines  and  re- 
views, at  their  discretion. 

On  motion  of  Josiah  L.  Hale,  it  was  Voted,   That  the 


fe^- 


■o^ 


22  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRABY  BUILDING. 

trustees  be  required  to  make  an  annual  report  of  the  state 
of  the  fund,  with  any  expenditures  from  the  income  of  the 
same,  to  be  published  in  connection  with  the  Annual  Report 
of  the  Directors  of  the  Library. 

Voted,  That  the  accounts  of  the  late  acting  treasurer  of 
the  fund  be  audited  by  the  trustees  now  chosen. 

On  motion  of  Hon.  Mica  J  ah  Lunt,  it  was  Voted,  That  all 

matters  relating  to  questions  that  may  arise  in  reference  to 

the  care  of  the  Library  Building,  or  other  general  interests 

appertaining  thereto,  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  trustees 

now  chosen ;  and  that   they  be  empowered  to  make  such 

arrangements  of  the  same,  and  also  such  expenditures  from 

the  income  of  the  fund,  as  they  may  deem  expedient. 

Adjourned. 

H.  A.  Tenney,  Secretary. 

The  following  deed  was  passed,  conveying  the 
balance  of  the  fund,  amounting  to  five  thousand 
dollars,  from  the  hands  of  the  Building  Committee 
to  the  trustees  :  — 

DEED    OF    TRUST. 

Whereas  certain  persons,  with  a  view  of  donating  a  suitable 
building  to  the  city  of  Newburyport  for  the  Public  Library, 
subscribed  sums  of  money  for  that  purpose,  and  at  a  meeting 
duly  notified,  held  on  the  third  day  of  February,  A.D.  1864, 
appointed  Edward  S.  Moseley,  Joshua  Hale,  and  Charles 
M.  Bayley,  a  committee,  with  full  powers  to  carry  their  views 
into  effect ;  and  whereas,  in  pursuance  thereof,  the  building 
has  been  purchased  and  prepared,  and  a  deed  thereof,  on 
certain  conditions,  has  been  given  to  the  city,  leaving,  how- 
ever, money  in  the  hands  of  said  committee  unexpended  :  — 


c£^a- : e/^ 


-^^B£ 


NEWBURYFORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  28 

Now,  this  indentiire,  made  and  concluded  this  thir- 
teenth day  of  October,  A.D.  18(35,  by  and  between  said 
MosELEY,  Hale,  and  Bayley,  in  their  official  capacity  as  the 
representatives  of  the  subscribers,  party  of  the  first  part ;  and 
Edward  S.  Moseley,  Caleb  Gushing,  and  Henry  C.  Perkins, 
subsequently  chosen  by  said  subscribers  at  a  meeting  duly 
called  for  that  purpose,  —  namely,  on  the  second  day  of  Oc- 
tober, A.D.  1865,  —  as  trustees  of  the  unexpended  balance 
of  said  subscription,  party  of  the  second  part,  — 

Witnesseth,  That  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of 
one  dollar  to  tliem,  the  said  committee,  paid  by  the  said 
trustees  (tlie  receipt  whereof  the  said  party  of  the  first  part 
doth  hereby  acknowledge),  the  said  committee  —  namely, 
Moseley,  Hale,  and  Bayley  —  hath  given,  granted,  and 
conveyed,  and  by  these  presents  doth  hereby  give,  grant,  and 
convey,  unto  the  said  Moseley,  Gushing,  and  Perkins, 
trustees,  and  to  their  successors,  the  balance  of  the  funds 
subscribed  and  unexpended  by  said  committee,  amounting 
to  five  thousand  dollars,  or  thereabouts  ;  provided  always, 
and  these  presents  are  on  this  condition  nevertheless,  that 
the  said  trustees,  party  of  the  second  part,  shall  keep  the 
principal  of  the  same  invested,  according  to  their  best  judg- 
ment, either  by  depositing  in  any  savings  bank,  or  by  in- 
vestments now  authorized  by  this  Gommonwealth  for  such 
institutions,  with  power  to  expend  the  income  thereof  in  tlic 
repair  of  the  Library  Building,  or  its  general  maintenance, 
in  accordance  with  votes  heretofore  passed  by  the  said  sub- 
scribers ;  making  an  annual  report  to  the  Directors  of  the 
Public  Library  of  their  action  in  the  premises ;  with  the  au- 
thority, on  the  resignation  or  decease  of  any  one  of  the 
said  trustees,  for  the  survivors  to  appoint  his  successor  with 
full  powers  to  act  as  aforesaid  ;  and  in  case  of  the  dcatli  or 


fe^ 


24 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


,s 


resignation  of  two  of  said  trustees,  without  the  vacancy 
thereby  created  having  been  filled,  then  the  sole  survivor 
shall  have  power  to  fill  both  vacancies. 

And  in  case  the  places  of  all  of  the  trustees  become  va- 
cant, then  new  trustees  may  be  appointed  by  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court,  on  application  of  the  city  of  Newburyport. 
And  it  is  further  agreed,  that  tlie  city  of  Newburyport  shall 
have  right  at  any  time  to  make  due  application  to  the  Su- 
preme Judicial  Court  for  the  prevention  or  correction  of 
any  act  of  malfeasance  in  the  execution  of  said  trust ;  said 
court  to  have  the  same  jurisdiction  in  the  premises  as  in 
other  matters  of  trust,  under  the  statutes  of  the  Common- 
wealth. 

In  witness  whereof,  the  parties  aforesaid  have  hereunto 
set  their  hands  and  seals,  this  thirteenth  day  of  October, 
A.  D.  1805. 

Signed,  sealed,  and  delivered  in  presence  of 

M.  E.  Hale. 

Edward  S.  Moseley. 
Joshua  Hale. 
Charles  M.  Bayley. 
Edward  S.  Moseley. 
Caleb  Cushing. 
Henry  C.  Perkins. 

Til  conclusion,  it  may  be  said  that  the  conversion 
of  the  Tracy  House  to  the  use  of  the  Public  Library 
is  an  event  that  our  citizens  may  regard  with  just 
pride  and  satisfaction.  Its  location  could  not  be  ex- 
celled. Situated  on  a  prominent  thoroughfare  of 
business,  it  is  at  the  same  time  so  retired  from  the 
noise  of  the  street  as  to  secure  a  proper  degree  of 


^^ 


■^^ 


-o 


€^-  -    — e^^ 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  '25 

seclusion  and  quiet  to  visitors  in  their  use  of  the 
library.  Its  historical  associations  render  its  appro- 
priation to  such  a  purpose  an  event  of  peculiar 
interest.  Built  a  century  since,  it  stands  a  fitting 
representative  of  the  few  palatial  structures  which 
the  country  at  that  time  afforded.  Clustering  around 
its  walls,  too,  are  memories  of  many  who  have  gone 
from  its  precincts,  and  added  lustre  to  the  ancient 
fame  of  our  city.  Names  might  also  be  added  of 
persons  of  high  distinction  from  abroad,  who  have 
found  beneath  its  hospitable  roof  a  temporary 
home. 

The  edifice,  therefore,  now  blends  its  own  measure 
of  renown  in  the  past  with  the  popular  daily  life  of 
the  present;  while  each  will  be  hallowed  to  the  dis- 
tant future  by  the  benign  influence,  which,  like  in- 
cense from  a  shrine,  arises  from  the  noble  work  to 
which  it  is  now  devoted. 

Thus,  as  an  enduring  testimony  of  their  affection- 
ate regard  for  the  well-being  of  the  home  of  their 
childhood,  the  beneficent  donors  have  fitted  up  this  . 
building  with  taste  and  convenience,  and  have  pre- 
sented it  a  FREE  GIFT  to  the  city,  to  be  hereafter 
known  as  the  Newburyport  Public-Library  Building. 

Note. —  This  estate,  although  allowed  of  late  years  to  fall  somewhat  into 
neglect,  was  formerly  supported  in  a  style  of  almost  princely  grandeur. 
The  house  was  built  by  Patrick  Tkacy,  an  opulent  merchant  of  that  day, 
for  his  son  Nathaniel,  who  occupied  it,  and  through  whose  great  Avealth 
and   iin])onnded  hospitality  it  ac(|uired  a   wide  celebrity.     Natiiamki. 


b 


-so 


dO^ 


w^ 


•20  NEWnURYPORT  rUBLKJ-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 

TitACY  was  a  gentleman  of  high  chai-acter  and  standing,  contributing  very 
greatly'  by  his  public  spirit  towards  the  improvement  of  his  native  town. 
He  married  a  lady  belonging  to  one  oi'  the  first  families  of  the  State.  She 
was  reputed  to  be  a  lady  of  great  personal  beauty,  and  was  the  daughter 
of  the  illustrious  patriot  of  our  Revolution,  Col.  Lee  of  Marblehead.  Mr. 
Tracy  was  at  one  time  the  o'.vner  of  a  hundred  and  ten  merchant-ves- 
sels, a  part  of  which  were  used  as  letters-of-marque  during  the  Revolution- 
ary AVar.  So  Midas-like  did  he  appear  to  accumulate  his  riches,  that  he 
seemed  justified  in  lavishing  vast  sums  to  maintain  his  establishment  in 
the  most  sumptuous  manner.  His  stables  were  famed  for  containing  the 
most  spirited  horses  and  finest  equipages  of  the  day ;  and  the  grounds  were 
the  most  beautiful  in  Essex  County.  In  front  of  the  mansion  were  orna- 
mental trees  which  he  imported  from  England ;  and  the  garden  in  the 
rear,  stocked  with  the  choicest  fruit-trees,  which  were  also  imported,  was 
the  local  wonder  of  the  time.  Throughout  the  whole,  there  was  displayed 
an  air  of  aristocratic  taste  and  luxurious  habit,  rivalling  the  establishments 
of  the  Dutch  burgomasters  of  an  earlier  date.  Mr.  Tuacy  had  an  admira- 
ble farm  in  Newbury,  and  another  in  Medtbrd.  He  was  also  the  owner 
of  the  Vassal  House  in  Cambridge,  which  Gen.  Washington  made  his 
headquarters  while  stationed  there. 

But  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War  brought  sad  reverses  of  fortune 
to  Mr.  Tracy.  British  cruisers  had  seized  many  of  his  privateers;  and, 
through  some  unlucky  mercantile  transactions,  he  was  stripped  of  his  vast 
wealth,  and  compelled  to  retire  to  his  farm  in  Newbury,  which  had  been 
secured  to  his  family  by  his  father.  Here  he  spent  the  remainder  of  bis 
days.     During  his  prosperity,  he  was  universally  loved  and  honored ;  and,  j 

in  his  adversity,  he  retained  the  esteem  of  his  fellow-citizens.  ' 

Tlie  mansion,  after  being  vacated  by  Mr.  Tjsacy,  went  into  the  posses- 
sion of  Hon.  Jonathan  Jackson,  his  brotlier-in-law  and  ibrmer  business- 
partner,  who  for  several  years  occupied  it  with  his  family,  and  by  his 
intellectual  qualities  and  courtly  manners,  added  to  the  great  moral  purity 
of  his  life,  made  it  an  attractive  centre  of  the  refined  society  of  the  period. 
It  was  the  birth-place  of  his  sons,  of  whom  a  contemporary  writes, 
"  Charles,  counsellor  at  law,  and  judge  of  our  Supreme  Judicial  Court ; 
James,  physician,  and  professor  at  Ilarvai-d  University;  and  Patrick 
Tracy,  manufacturer  and  I'ailroad  constructor,  —  have  never  been  sur- 
passed in  our  country  in  their  professions."     I  )nring  the  visit  f)f  Gen.  Wash- 

L-  ^' 


f^^ — ^ 

NEWBUKYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  27 

INGTON  to  Newburyport  in  1789,  Mr.  Jackson  loaned  a  part  of  his  man- 
sion to  the  town  authorities  for  his  entertainment.  Lafayette,  as  guest 
of  the  town,  Talleyrand,  Marquis  De  Ciiastellux,  Bhissot  De 
Warville,  Louis  Philippe,  and,  it  is  believed,  other  distinguished  per- 
sons, partook  at  different  times  of  its  hospitalities. 

But  the  mutations  incident  to  the  affairs  of  men  again  brought  a 
change  in  the  ownership  of  this  property  ;  and  we  find  the  house  at  a 
later  period  used  as  a  hotel,  kept  by  Jacob  Coburn.  As  such,  it  became 
famous ;  and  j^jossibly  some  of  the  copperplate  engravings  of  it  may  still 
be  in  existence.  Soon  afterwards,  it  went  into  the  hands  of  James 
Prince,  who  was  at  one  time  collector  of  the  jiort.  The  house,  in  conse- 
quence, has  become  better  known  to  the  present  generation  as  the 
"  Prince  House."  Mr.  Prince  was  a  gentleman  of  wealth  and  influence, 
who,  by  his  frank  manners  and  generous  disposition,  did  much  towards 
reviving  the  early  splendor  of  the  house.  After  the  decease  of  Mr. 
Prince,  it  went  through  the  various  vicissitudes  incident  to  being  rented 
as  a  dwelling-house,  until  it  finally  has  been  purchased  and  occupied  for 
its  present  use. 


i 


e^ 


te^ 


^ 


28 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


FINANCIAL   STATEMENT. 


RECEIPTS. 


Amount  received  from  Subscriptions, 

City  Lyceum, 


Accumulation  of  Interest, 
Sale  of  Iron  Fence,  &c., 
Rent, 

Returned  Premium  on  In 
surance. 


118,375  00 
1,898  78 
754  70 
440  05 
60  00 


30  64 


EXPENDITURES. 

Purchase  of  House  and  Land, 

Improvements, 

Deposited  in  Savings  Bank, 

Cash  on  hand, 


$21,568  26 

16,000  00 

10,314  96 

5,000  00 

1^21,314  96 
253  30 

$21,568  26 


While  the  subject  of  a  formal  dedication  of  the 
new  building  wiis  in  contemplation,  the  authors  of 
the  following  eftusions  were  invited  to  contribute 
some  poetic  tribute  for  the  occasion  ;  which  they 
kindly  consented  to  do.  The  spirit  of  each  breathes 
such  warm  interest  in  the  enterprise,  that,  aside  from 
their  intrinsic  merits,  they  are  justly  entitled  to  pres- 
ervation in  this  connection. 


fe^^ 


-©^ 


c^) 


f^ es^ 


) 


\) 


NEWBUEYPOET  PUDLIC-LIBEAEY  BUILDING.  29 


ODE. 


BY    REV.    GEORGE    1).    WILDES. 


Gather  them  here  around, — 
The  guests  of  thought,  the  friendships  of  tlie  min<l ; 
Kinglier  tlian  kings,  nobler  tlian  conqueror  crowned  ; 

Sovereimi  o'er  human  kind. 


» 


With  ghad  hearts  greet  them  here, 
Noiseless  and  voiceless  though  they  enter  in  ; 
Yet  shall  the  quickening  throl),  tlie  lightsome  hour. 

Reward  the  welcoming. 

What  thougli  no  high  acclaim 
Lifts  its  full  thunders  round  tliese  ancient  walls ; 
What  though  no  j^rean  sounds  the  patriot's  f  ime. 

Or  valor's  deed  recalls; 

What  though,  fi-om  court  and  throne. 
Hither  the  wandering  exile  conies  no  more, 
Freedom's  warm  heart  and  Freedom's  home  his  own, 

All  that  it  gave  of  yore ; 

Relentless  though  the  years 
To   dim  the  glories  of  thy  storied  day,*  — 
Wealth's  generous  heart,  the  household  joys  and  fears. 

Forever  passed  away : 

Still,  through  each  brighteninar  a2;e, 
Hitlier,  with  clieer,  the  livixg  thought  shall  come ; 
Bard,  |)atriot,  chronicler,  the  wit,  tlie  sage, 

Find,  as  of  old,  a  home. 

*  In  allusion  to  the  fact  that  the  Trucy  Mansion  was  the  temporary  home  of 
Wasiiingtox,  Lafayette,  Talleyrand,  Louis  I'liii-rprE,  tlio  Marquis  Cuas- 
TELLux,  and  Chatkauhkiand,  during  their  visits  to  Newburvi)nrt. 


-e^ 


Q 


cS^^- 


30  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 

Gather  them  here  around,  — 
The  guests  of  thought,  tlie  friendsliips  of  the  iiiiud  ; 
Kingher  tlian  kings,  nobler  than  conqueror  crowned  ; 

Sovereign  o'er  human  kind. 


THE    LIBRARY. 

BY    MISS    HARRIET    E.    PEESCOTT.    , 

We  consecrate  the  storied  place 
Their  hallowed  feet  have  trod 

Who  smoothed  the  way  where  Liberty 
Leads  up  the  arts  to  God. 

They  sowed  ;  we  reap  and  garner  in 
Such  lettered  treasure  here. 

That  sweet  enchantments  of  the  ]»en 
Rule  all  the  atmosphere. 

Here  silently  the  poet's  song 

Perpetual  music  makes ; 
The  forum,  long  since  ovei-grovvn. 

Its  silver  thunder  wakes. 

The  drama's  splendid  phantoms  here 

Move  real  to  the  sense, 
As  heroes  that  once  shook  the  world, 

And,  battling,  vanished  hence. 

Turn  but  aside,  and  overhead 

-^gean  skies  burn  blue, 
And  to  his  crowd  of  eager  Greeks 

Homer  recites  anew. 


SQ^ ■ e^ 


NEWBUUYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING.  31 

A  step,  and  Science  to  the  search 

Her  awful  gate  unbars, — 
The  riddle  of  the  earth  is  read, 

The  secret  of  the  stai's. 

Kind  Heaven,  upon  the  finislied  work 

Thy  blessing  we  iniploi'e  ; 
To  fair  and  holy  purposes 

Serenely  guide  its  lore. 

Here  may  no  tumult  of  the  day 

Its  troubled  shadow  Hing! 
Witliin  these  cloistered  walls  may   Peace 

Forever  fold  her  wing ! 


THE  SCOTTISH  ALCOVE  OF  THE  NEWIJUUVroUT 

LIBRARY. 

1!Y    AVILLIAM    WALLACE    MOELAND,    M.D.* 

Amang  your  buiks  and  treasures  tine 
Whilk  lang  ye've  l)in  collectin', 

Thei-e's  some  ye -maun  invite  to  shine: 
Guid  faith,  they'll  bear  inspectin' ! 

Ye  eanna  miss  auld  Scotia's  sang; 

Ye  maun  hae  ilka  story, — 
The  lays  o'  luve,  the  claymore's  clang. 

The  legends  and  the  glory. 

j 

!  Lang  syne,  wi'  history  weird  and  gray, 
,  Buchanan  sate,  deep  musing 

I  How  best  tlie  truest  things  to  say 
I  Where   micklc!   was  confusing. 

I  *  Dr.  MouLANU  is  of  Ni'Vvl>uryi)ort  parfiitn.go,  and  nf  Scuttish  (Icsccnf,. 


I 


.        >^ 

32  NEWBvmroRr  fublic-library  building. 

Gio  him  a  niclie  amang  tlie  great 

Antl  classic  o'  your  sages : 
My  troth,  ye  never  need  be  blate 

When  turnin'  o'er  liis  pages! 

To  him  who  wrote  o'  "  Walhice  wiglit," 

But  nameless  left  his  verses, 
Ye'll  surely  gie  a  welcome  right 

To  store  what  he  rehearses, 

Wi'  gentle  Ramsay's  jiastoral  sweet, 

And  Tannahill's  winsome  singing, 
And  Motherwell's  strain  that  gars  ye  greet, 

Its  mournfu'  music  bringing. 

An  alcove  for  the  Minstrel's  lays, 

And  tales  o'  wondrous  beauty. 
Where  wild  Romance  her  witcheries  plays, 

And  Honor  walks  wi'  Duty. 

A  })laintive  tone  froni  Katrine  comes, 

And  tln-ough  the  mountain-passes 
A  solemn  sound  like  muffled  drums, 

Or  midnight-chanted  masses. 

Lo !  Roderick  bold  beside  the  grave 

Where  sleeps  the  Avizard  sweetly  ; 
And,  sword   in  hand,  Fitz-James  the  bra\  e ; 

And  Ellen  tripping  featly. 

And   Flodden's  heroes,  sweeping  by, 

Here  pause  wi'  dr()(>j)ing  bajniers; 
While  Rose  and  Flora  lins^er  niuh. 

Wi'  lords  o'  many  manors. 


d£^ ■ ---^Q3 


o 


fe^ 


1^ 


NEWRURYPORT  PUBLKJ-LIUUARY  BUILDING.  38 

O  Robie  Burns!    sae  tender- true, 

Sae  leal,  sae  manly-hearted! 
Auld  Scotia  lang  and  sair  iiiann  rue 

Thy  liarp  o'  liarps  departed. 

Yc'll  hae  his  carols  on  your  shelves ; 

And  there  at  morn  and  gloamin', 
Wi'  dainty  dance,  the  merrie  elves 

Will  in  and  out  be  roamin'. 

Wi'  droutliie  Tarn  ye'll  tak  a  ride 

Past  Alloway's  ghaistly  shadow ; 
Or  "pu'  the  gowans  fine"  that  hide 

In  hazel-co])se  and  meadow ; 

Or  roam  by  Clyde's  or  Lugar's  stream, 

By  Lomond's  frowning  ridges, 
Or  where  Ayr's  siller  waters  gleain 

Beneath  the  neebor  bridges. 

Your  Scottish  alcove  thus  to  fill, 

My  humble  plea  I  offer: 
It  will  na,  sure,  o'ertax  your  skill, 

Nor  much  dejilete  your  cofTer. 


-^^^ 


-e^a?^- 


lIISTORrCAI.    SKETC'II 


OV    TIIK 


NEWBURYPORT    PUBLIC    LIBRARY. 


The  Newbnryport  Puljlic  Library,  although  assum- 
ing but  uiodcst  proportions,  and  having  had  only  a 
few  years'  existence,  has  still,  as  we  may  hope,  suffi- 
ciently won  the  confidence  of  the  community  to  jus- 
tify the  expectation  that  it  hereafter  is  to  be  cher- 
ished as  an  institution  of  substantial  public  useful- 
ness. A  sketch  of  its  history,  therefore,  w^ill  not  be 
void  of  interest. 

It  was  founded  in  September,  A.D.  1854,  by  the 
Hon.  JosiAH  Little,  who  gave  to  the  city  the  liber.il 
sum  of  five  thousand  dollars  for  the  object.  Hon. 
Charles  Jackson  and  Col.  Samuel  Swett,  of  Boston, 
added  large  donations  in  books  and  money.  The 
terms  of  the  donation  were  as  follows :  — 

"  Wc  the  subscribors  agree  to  furnish  the  Mayor  and 
Aldermen  of  the  city  of  Newbnryport  witli  the  books,  or 
sums  of  money,  affixed  to  our  nam(!s,  to  form  a  Public 
Library  for   the   use  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  city,  to  be 


"^^^:i 


ft 


1 


NEWnUh'YI'OKT  PUBLKJ-LIBliARY  BUILDING.  85 

managed  Ijy  said  Mayor  and  Aldermen,  and  their  successors 
in  office,  as  trustees ;  and  also  for  the  use  of  the  inhal)it- 
ants  of  the  towns  of  Newbury  and  West  Newbury,  equally 
with  those  of  said  city,  provided  said  towns  pay  tlieir  pro- 
portion of  the  expenses  of  managing  said  Library  compared 
with  those  incurred  by  said  city  for  that  purpose,  said  jjro- 
portion  to  be  in  the  ratio  of  the  respective  appraisement  of 
said  city  and  towns  in  the  State  valuation  ;  and  also  that 
said  towns  pay  one  per  cent  jointly  per  annum  on  the  cost 
of  the  ajjartments  or  building  employed  for  said  Library  ; 
the  General  Regulations  of  said  Lil)rary  to  be  adoi)ted  by 
the  City  Government  of  Newburyport." 

On  the  18th  of  September,  1854,  the  Mayor  laid 
before  the  City  Council  the  aljove  communication, 
which  was  referred  to  the  Joint  Committee  on  Public 
Instruction. 

The  Committee  on  Public  Instruction  reported,  on 
the  2d  of  October,  as  follows  :  — 

That  we  recommend  the  acceptance  of  the  proposition,  as 
made  in  the  communication  of  the  Hon.  Josiah  Little, 
Hon.  Charles  Jackson,  and  Col.  Samuel  Swett  ;  and  also 
that  Ward  Room  No.  4  be  appropriated  for  the  Library,  and 
that  the  room  be  prepared  for  that  purpose. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  Rules  and 
Regulations  for  the  government  of  the  Library. 

On  the  20tli  of  November,  the  Mayor  presented 
the  Report  of  the  Joint  SjDccial  Committee  appoint- 
ed by  the  City  Council  to  prepare  Rules  and  Regu- 
lations for  the  fiibrary  ;  which  was  accepted,  vvitli  the 


?. 


-^^ 


=g/e-  -   -€v^ 


36  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


Rules  and  Regulations ;.  and  the  following  order  was 
adopted :  — 

Ordered  (the  Common  Council  concurring),  That  a  Pub- 
lic Library  is  hereby  established,  to  bo  called  the  Public 
Library  of  the  city  of  Nevvburyport,  founded  by  the  Hon. 
JosiAH  Little. 

Ah  ordinance  was  also  passed  by  the  City  Coun- 
cil, defining  the  various  duties  of  the  trustees  in 
relation  to  the  care  and  control  of  the  Public  Li- 
brary. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  the  Hon.  Moses  Daven- 
port, Rev.  L.  WiTiiiNGTON,  Rev.  L.  F.  Dimmick,  Rev.  D. 
T.  FiSKE,  and  Nathaniel  Hills,  Esq.,  was  appointed 
by  the  founder  for  the  purpose  of  selecting  and  pur- 
chasing the  books  for  the  Library. 

The  books  having  been  purchased,  and  prepared 
for  the  shelves,  on  the  5th  of  September,  1855,  the 
Library  was  opened  for  public  use ;  and  the  occasion 
was  made  interesting  by  an  appropriate  address, 
delivered  by  the  Rev.  D.  T.  Fiske,  D.D. 

It  being  deemed  advisable,  after  consulting  the 
founder,  to  delegate  the  immediate  charge  and  con- 
trol of  the  Library  to  a  body  of  citizens  less  con- 
nected with  the  aflairs  of  the  city,  the  City  Council, 
on  the  17th  of  Deceinl)er,  passed  an  ordinance,  enti- 
tled "  An  Ordinance  concerning  the  Public  Library," 
which  provided  for  the  election  of  a  Board  of  Direct- 
ors,  to    whom    should    1)0    deleirated    the    care    nnd 


^&" 


1     J 


'■r^ 


^Ml 


t 


NEWBURYPORT  PUBLlCrLIBRARY  BUILDINd.  37 

superintendence  of  the  Library.  On  the  27th  of 
January,  1856,  the  Board  was  duly  constituted  in 
the  manner  prescribed  in  the  fifth  section  of  the 
ordinance ;  and,  on  the  7th  of  February  following, 
the  first  meeting  was  held  at  the  Mayor  and  Alder- 
men's room,  when  the  Board  was  duly  organized ; 
and  the  members  thereof,  who  were  chosen  by  the 
concurrent  vote  of  the  City  Council,  were,  agreeably 
to  the  second  section  of  the  ordinance,  divided  by 
lot  into  two  classes,  —  those  of  the  first  cla.ss  to 
serve  until  January,  1857;  and  those  of  the  second 
class  to  serve  until  January,  1858. 

This  ordinance  was  repealed  in  August,  18G3,  to 
give  place  to  another  which  went  into  effect  at  that 
time,  and  under  which  the  affairs  of  the  Library  are 
at  present  administered  (see  Appendix). 

In  March,  1857,  by  the  decease  of  the  late  Ma- 
THiAS  Plant  Sawyer,  Esq.,  of  Boston,  the  city  received 
the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars  through  a  bequest 
made  by  that  gentleman,  the  terms  of  which  were,  — 

"  I  give  to  the  city  of  Newburyport  the  sum  of  five  thou- 
sand dollars,  in  trust,  to  hold  the  same,  and  invest  and  re- 
invest the  same  in  such  public  stocks  as  the  government  of 
said  city  for  the  time  being  may  think  best;  and  to  pay 
over  the  income  thereof,  as  often  as  once  in  each  year,  to 
the  persons  having  the  control  and  charge  of  the  Public 
Library  in  said  city,  to  be  by  them  invested  in  the  purchase 
of  books." 

Mr.  Sawver  was  a  gentleman  of  refined  tastes,  and 


Jp^ 


^^^ 


38  NEWBURYPORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 

took  this  method  thus  gratefully  to  remember  his 
native  place.  By  means  of  the  Sawyer  Fund,  the 
Library  has  been  enabled  to  purchase  a  moderate 
supply  of  new  works  each  year ;  and,  as  this  bequest 
has  been  its  only  source  of  income,  the  service  it 
thus  has  rendered  may  be  regarded  as  of  the  utmost 
consequence. 

In  the  fall  of  1865,  the  Library  was  removed  to 
the  new  hall  on  State  Street.  The  books  were  there 
arranged  and  classified  in  alcoves,  in  accordance  with 
the  arrangement  of  the  room.  The  classification  was 
divided  under  eight  general  heads ;  viz..  History, 
Biography,  Fiction,  Travels,  Morals  and  Politics,  Sci- 
ence, Belles-Lettres,  and  Religion. 

On  the  first  day  of  January,  1866,  the  Library  was 
re-opened  to  the  public,  under  such  favorable  auspi- 
ces as,  it  is  hoped,  will  secure  for  it  a  long  career  of 
public  usefulness.  It  only  needs  that  those,  who,  cher- 
ishing a  love  of  literature  themselves,  desire  also  that 
a  similar  taste  may  be  more  widely  disseminated,  and 
more  abundant  facilities  supplied  for  its  gratification, 
should  take  a  deeper  interest  in  the  welfare  of  this 
institution,  and,  by  judiciously  presenting  its  appeal 
for  support  to  men  of  wealth  and  generous  pur- 
poses on  whom  our  community  has  some  claim, 
enable  the  Library  thereby  to  obtain  the  means  for  it 
'  to  accomplish  more  efficiently  its  beneficent  design. 

Its  present  income  is  by  far  too  limited  to  meet  the 
wants  of  the  community.     In  consequence  of  the  in- 


I 


NKWHVUYPOUT  PUHLIC-LIBn ARY  liUILDING.  39 

creased  cost  of  books,  the  fund  affords  only  a  very 
moderate  supply  of  the  new  publications,  leaving 
entirely  out  of  sight  the  necessity  of  substitnting 
new  ones  in  place  of  those  that  from  time  to  time 
wear  out  and  are  discarded  from  the  shelves.  Such 
a  fund  is  needed  as  will  be  adequate  to  procure 
all  the  useful  publications  as  they  issue  from  the 
press,  and  also  to  purchase  duplicate  copies  of  many 
of  the  more  popular  works,  as  well  as  to  provide 
a  new  supply  for  those  that  wear  out.  To  obtain 
this  much-needed  increase,  we  must  depend  upon 
the  williui'-  hearts  of  those  who  have  been  blessed 
with  a  large  share  of  this  world's  goods,  and  who 
can  enjoy  the  luxury  of  doing  a  good  action. 

Of  the  persons  named  in  connection  with  the 
establishment  of  the  Library,  Col.  Samuel  Swett'^'  is 
the  only  survivor  ;  and  he,  by  his  continued  active 
interest  in  its  welfare  and  progress,  has  contributed 
much  towards  its  success.  At  the  time  that  the 
munificent  gift  for  the  establishment  of  the  Li- 
brary was  made,  and  before  the  fact  had  become 
publicly  know^n,  Col.  Swett  was  making  strenuous  ex- 
ertions among  tlie  friends  and  natives  of  our  city  in 
Boston  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  same  object ; 
tendering  for  the  purpose  his  own  large  and  choice 
collection  of  books,  which   he  afterwards  forwarded 


*  It  is  with  reeiiiif!;s  ot  sorrow  tluit  we  U'uni,  while  these  sheets  arc  ]);issiiiti- 
through  tlie  press,  of  the  decease  oC  Va\\.  Swirr'i',  wlio  ijled  at  lils  i-esiilence  in  Boston 
in  tlie  eiglitv-fif'th  year  of  iiis  age. 


^^ 


-^^B£^ 


40 


NEWBURY  PORT  PUBLIC-LIBRARY  BUILDING. 


as  a  donation  to  the  Library.  Having  passed  here 
the  days  of  his  youth  and  early  manhood,  he  now, 
in  his  advanced  years,  turns  his  ripened  affection  to 
the  phice  of  his  nativity,  where  the  ashes  of  a  loved 
and  highly-honored  parent  repose. 

Commending  anew  the  interests  of  the  Library  to 
this  community,  and  to  its  friends  elsewhere,  the 
hope  is  confidently  expressed,  that  the  favor  which 
it  has  received  heretofore  is  but  an  earnest  of  that 
which  is  to  come. 


cy^ 


APPENDIX. 


The  followino'  ordinance  now  reojulates  the  man- 
ao-ement  of  the  Library  :  — 


CITY  OF  NEWBURYFOKT. 
AN    OKDIXAXCE    CONCERNING    THE    PUBLIC    LIBRARY. 

He  it  ordained  hy  tJte  City  Council  of  the  city  of  Newhuryport 
as  follotos :  — 

Section  1.  —  The  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  the  city  of  New- 
huryport sliall  be  Trustees  of  the  Public  Library  of  said  city; 
and,  as  such,  shall  have  and  exercise  a  general  supervision  over 
its  aftairs. 

Sect.  "2. — Innnediately  after  tlie  passage  of  this  ordinance,  the 
Directors  of  the  Public  Liln-ary,  excepting  those  only  who  are 
directors  ex  officio,  shall  be  divided  by  lot  into  seven  classes  of 
one  each :  the  first  class  shall  serve  until  January,  1864  ;  and, 
of  the  remaining  classes,  the  term  of  one  class  shall  expire  in 
January  of  each  subsequent  year ;  and  no  one  shall  be  re- 
elected within  one  year  after  the  expiration  of  his  term  of 
office.  And  hereafter,  in  the  month  of  January,  annually,  there 
shall  be  elected  by  the  concurrent  vote  of  the  City  Council, 
voting  by  ballot,  one  legal  voter  of  the  city,  who,  together  with 
the  six  remaining  in  office,  and  the  Mayor,  and  President  of  the 
Common  Council,  ex  officio,  shall  constitute  a  Board  of  Direct- 
ors of  the  Public  Library.  The  director  elected  in  January, 
annually,  shall  hold  his  office  for  seven  years.     Such  <lirectors 


^^e e^ 


fee -e^ 


42  ,  APPENDIX. 

sliall  hold  their  office  until  their  successors  are  chosen.  Va- 
cancies may  be  filled  at  any  time  in  the  manner  above  pre- 
scribed. 

Sect.  3.  —  The  Board  of  Directors  shall  have  the  general  care 
and  superintendence  of  the  Public  Library ;  make  all  purchases 
and  exchanges  of  books,  and  cause  the  same  to  be  kept  in  good 
repair;  prescribe  the  duties  of  the  Librarian,  and  have  the  con- 
trol and  direction  of  that  officer  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  ; 
and  establish  all  convenient  and  necessary  by-laws  and  regula- 
tions to  be  observed  in  the  use  of  books,  and  determine  the 
fines  and  i)enalties  to  be  incurred  for  their  non-observance, 
provided  that  all  such  by-laws  and  regulations  shall  be  ap- 
proved by  the  City  Council  before  taking  efl:ect. 

Sect.  4.  —  A  Librarian  sliall  be  appointed  and  his  compensa- 
tion fixed  by  the  Board  of  Directors  in  the  month  of  January, 
annually,  who  shall  hold  his  office  for'  one  year,  and  until  his 
successor  is  appointed,  subject  to  removal  at  the  pleasure  of  the 
directors.  He  sliall  perform  any  and  all  the  services  in  relation 
to  the  Library,  and  obey  and  enforce  all  such  rules  and  regula- 
tions as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  He 
shall  act  as  their  Secretary,  and  keep  full  and  accurate  records 
of  their  proceedings,  and  an  account  of  all  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures of  the  Library. 

Sect.  5.  —  The  Board  of  Directors  shall,  at  the  first  meeting  of 
the  City  Council  in  the  month  of  December,  annually,  present 
a  report  exhibiting  the  condition  of  the  Library,  the  number  of 
books  added  dming  the  year,  an  account  of  all  receipts  and  ex- 
jK'uditures,  and  such  other  information  or  suggestions  as  they 
may  deem  proper. 

Sect.  6.  —  All  fines  and  ])enalties  which  may  be  incurred 
under  the  rules  and  regulations  shall  be  collected  by  the  Libra- 
rian, and  paid  over  monthly  to  the  C^ity  Treasurer,  to  be  by  him 
passed  to  the  credit  of  a  fund  to  be  called  the  Public-library 
Fund.     All  moneys  which  maybe  received  under  the  provisions 


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APPENDIX. 


43 


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of  Sect.  7  of  this  ordinance,  an<l  all  appropriations  by  the  City 
Council  for  the  benefit  of  the  Library,  shall  he  credited  to  the 
same  fund ;  and  from  it  shall  be  paid,  upon  the  approval  of  the 
Board  of  Directors,  the  salary  of  the  Librarian,  and  all  ex- 
penses incurred  in  the  repair  of  books  and  in  tlie  keeping  and 
enlargement  of  the  Library. 

Sect.  7.  —  The  inhabitants  of  Newbury  and  West  Newbury, 
above  the  ages  of  sixteen  years,  can  i-eceive  all  the  privileges 
of  the  Public  Library,  jtrovided  the  said  towns  pay  annually, 
in  the  mouth  of  January,  their  proportion  of  the  expenses  of 
managing  said  Library,  compared  with  those  incurred  liy  the 
city  of  Newburyport  for  that  purpose,  —  said  proportion  to  be  in 
the  ratio  of  tlie  respective  appraisements  of  said  city  and  towns 
in  the  State  valuation;  and  also  that  said  towns  pay  (jue  per 
centum  per  annum  on  the  cost  of  the  apartments  or  building 
emjdoyed  for  said  Library. 

Sect.  <S.  —  The  ordinance  concerning  the  l^ublic  Library, 
passed  Dec.  17,  1855,  is  Iiereby  re])ealed. 

\\\  Common  Ci)uncil,  Aug.  o,  18G8. 
Passed  to  l)e  ordained. 

B.    (tARDINEK    (tERRTSH, 

PreskJent. 
Li  Boai'd  of  Aldermen,  Aug.  o,  I860. 
Passed  to  be  ordained. 

Isaac   II.  Boardmax, 

Mayor. 


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